Shopping for Snake Oil

Good Horsemanship is Developed, Not Sold by Allison Trimble   I had a funny thought while preparing for my first expo—what am I selling? As a clinician, the methods and philosophy are most important, but the merchandising is where you are sustained. This is a business like any other and it’s …

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Mastering Log Obstacles

Log Obstacles

Tips for Teaching this Mountain Trail Horse Skill   by Mark Bolender Whether out on a trail or in a show, watching an accomplished Mountain Trail horse moving through a difficult log obstacle makes it look easy. The horse navigates the logs while going forward boldly and confidently, and always …

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Training the Sluggish Horse

Getting the Most Out of a Lazy Horse by Allison Trimble   There are many different personality types in horses: some are overachievers, some are hot, and certainly some are, by nature, lazier than others. These horses can make you feel like you are working yourself to death just to …

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Brigitte’s Bits on Barrel Racing

Fitness and Goal Setting: Get Ready for a New Season by Brigitte Mackenzie   The excitement of the competition year begins with a fresh set of goals. This season will be approximately the 32nd time I have done this process and it’s always a challenge to get started when the …

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Selecting a Trail Horse

trail horse

Finding—and Training—Your Best Trail Horse   by Mark Bolender Selecting a horse for trail riding is not an easy process because several factors must be carefully considered. Ultimately, it’s a decision about which horse is right for a particular rider and that’s just the beginning in creating the “perfect” trail …

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A Jiggy Problem

Retraining an Annoying Habit by Kim Roe   Many riders have experienced the annoyance of a horse who “jigs” by taking small, tense trot steps. The horse refuses to walk and may sway his hips from side to side. Jigging may be accompanied by head tossing, pulling, tongue and mouth problems, and …

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Respect in the Stall

Handling Confined and Cranky Horses by Raye Lochert, Raye Lochert Horsemanship   Stall time is a fact of life for many horses. Unfortunately, many horses are not safe in a stall: they may lunge to get at hay or grain, be aggressive, or just hard to catch. With a little time you …

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Checkers Takes the Challenge

The Joy of Demonstrating at the AQHA Show   by Mark Bolender I love the AQHA shows. In July of 2011 I had the privilege of attending the Region 5 event in Langley, British Columbia. I was a demonstrator, clinician, and judge for the sport of Mountain Trail and Trail …

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